PEOPLE across the Keighley district will pay around 5.5 per cent more for their policing in 2024-25.

The precept has been agreed by West Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel, following a meeting with the region's mayor Tracy Brabin.

Just over 2,000 residents took part in a public consultation, launched in December, over the proposed increase to the police element of council tax.

Also, 19 focus groups and community meetings were held to gather feedback.

Ms Brabin said the precept increase would mean most households paying an extra 17p to 22p a week.

The funding will help recruit more police community support officers and initial contact staff, who answer 999 and 101 calls from the public.

"Of those who took part in the consultation 71 per cent said they would pay extra to help protect frontline policing across West Yorkshire," Ms Brabin adds.

"I’m grateful to the public for backing investment in our frontline policing services so we can continue to deliver on our vision for a safer, fairer region.

"West Yorkshire Police have risen well to the dual challenges of increasing costs and decreased Home Office grants, but we still need a fair and sustainable funding settlement from central Government."